Vice President for Finance and Administration/CFO

Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration/CFO. The University seeks an experienced financial administrator who is strategic, creative, bold, resilient and collegial to contribute to overall institutional strategy and operations. The VP/CFO will join a new, forward thinking and energetic President and a developing senior administrative team eager for a capable colleague to replace a well-respected retiring CFO. Among the specific responsibilities are Financial Planning, Budgeting and Analysis; General Accounting; Treasury Management (cash management, credit agreements, portfolio management, and debt management including refinancing); Risk Management (property, casualty, workers compensation, employee liability); Human Resources (medical benefits, retirement benefits, wage management, employee relations); Audit Management (manage process and audit relationships); Information Technology (oversight, strategic direction, best practices, technology identification, back office improvements); Facilities and Auxiliary Services; and Legal Oversight and Direction.

Saint Xavier University is a distinguished four-year, private Catholic institution located on the scenic southwest side of Chicago. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846 and chartered in 1847, Saint Xavier holds the distinctions of being Chicago’s oldest Catholic university as well as the first Mercy institution of higher learning in the United States.

With an undergraduate enrollment of more than 2,800 full-time students and a graduate enrollment of nearly 500 full-time students, Saint Xavier, a 2017-2018 College of Distinction, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Saint Xavier offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as degree completion programs, taught by more than 153 full-time faculty and 213 adjunct faculty members within its three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graham School of Management and the School of Nursing.

The VP/CFO reports directly to President Laurie M. Joyner and works in collaboration with a dynamic team of professionals.

The annual budget of the University is approximately $65 million of which salaries and fringe benefits comprise 61 percent. Institutional debt is approximately $40 million and the endowment is $11 million. The Board of Trustees is committed to paying down debt and increasing the endowment.

Saint Xavier has not been immune from the demographic shifts or the increased price sensitivity of families. Yet, its modest endowment has necessitated positive operating performance. Tuition and fees for 2017 were $32,250 and room and board was $11,060 for a total cost of attendance of $43,310. Nearly all students at SXU are awarded financial aid. The annual institutional aid awarded is approximately $40 million.

The VP/CFO will be a bold, creative and energetic individual with a proven record of progressively responsible leadership. The VP/CFO will have a passion for higher education and will manifest a commitment to transparency in the communication of financial information to non-financial audiences. In addition, preference will be given to individuals having a master’s degree. A CPA is preferred but not required.

The appointee will assume responsibilities at the University by January 1, 2018.

The VP/CFO search committee will begin reviewing applications early in October with the goal of hosting neutral-site interviews early in November. The deadline for full consideration of applications will be October 18; applications will be received and considered until the position is filled. Applications must include a letter of interest, resume and five professional references with email and telephone numbers (references will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant). Applications and nominations should be sent electronically (PDF or MS Word format) to: stxavierfin@agbsearch.com. The search is being assisted by: